Temples in and around Madurantakam
by B. Mekala | 2016 | 71,416 words
This essay studies the Temples found around Madurantakam, a town and municipality in Kancheepuram (Kanchipuram) District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Madurantakam is one of the sacred holy places visited by Saint Ramanuja. It is also a region blessed with many renowned temples which, even though dating to at least the 10th century, yet they c...
The Nambis and Vaikanasas
The priestly group of Varadarajaperumal temples in Madurantakam region were called the Nambis and Vaikhanasas. It is observed that the Nambi is also one of the temple employee connected with Perumal or Vishnu temple.[1] The Nambi may be described as officiating priest.[2] There are inscriptions of Cholas which mentioned about the Nambis and Vaikhanasas. A lithic record of chola period referred Bharathaya Nambi as servant of temple. He accepted to burning lamp from the interest of Kasu he received.[3] Another epigraph mentioned the word ‘Nambi Bahatta Vathi’ which specified the water resource in the name of Nambis.[4] Yet another lithic record identified Perunkondrai Nambi and Nambi, son of Somasi bhattar, member of Allumperumakkal has donated 30 Kalanju pon for Tirumanjanam and food to the god.[5]
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
[3]:
Tiruthuraipoondi Kalvettukal, Ins.No.68.
[4]:
A.R.E., 126 of 1946-1947.
[5]:
P.I. No.12.